Cost of Living in Ludlow, KY

Population 4,378 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023

64
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Ludlow a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $155,000. A poverty rate near 26% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.

Geographically, Ludlow is part of the immediate Cincinnati metro area. Median home values run roughly 28% lower than Cincinnati's $215,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 51
Rent 85

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Ludlow

The median home value in Ludlow is $154,700 — 49% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,115/month, 15% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $58,295/year is 22% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Kentucky's top state income tax rate is 4.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. The climate averages highs of 65.4°F and lows of 44.2°F. Overall, Ludlow has a cost of living index of 64 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$154,700
49% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$316,501
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,115/mo
15% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.6x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$636
1 BR
$721
2 BR
$872
3 BR
$1,187
4 BR
$1,336
Owner-occupied 74.7%
Renter-occupied 25.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,115
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,729/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
22.8 min
16% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
10.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
79.7%
Carpooled
4.9%
Public transit
0.4%
Walked
3.2%
Work from home
10.6%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.0%
Total Sales Tax 6.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 0.9%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$58,295
22% below avg
Per Capita Income
$31,420
Unemployment Rate
5.0%
5% above avg
Poverty Rate
25.8%
Labor Force Participation
67.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 27.3%
Graduate degree 6.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.7
Male median age 38.5
Female median age 36

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
65.4°F
Avg Low
44.2°F
Annual Precip
43.4"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 414555677583878680685545
Low °F 242633435361656456443428
Precip" 2.862.793.944.374.704.614.393.393.073.052.913.32

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

95%
4-Year Graduation Rate
15.8:1
Student-teacher ratio
2
Public schools
855
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Ludlow, KY?

Ludlow has a cost index of 64 (100 = national average). It is 36% below the national average.

What is average rent in Ludlow, KY?

The median gross rent in Ludlow is $1,115 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Ludlow?

The median home value in Ludlow is $154,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Ludlow?

The median household income in Ludlow is $58,295 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Ludlow, KY?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ludlow is 6.0%. The Kentucky state income tax top rate is 4.0%.

Is Ludlow, KY affordable?

Yes, Ludlow is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 64 — about 36% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Ludlow?

Ludlow has average high temperatures of 65.4°F and average lows of 44.2°F. Annual precipitation is 43.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Ludlow at a Glance

Population
4,378
Median Income
$58,295
Home Value
$154,700
Median Rent
$1,115/mo
Unemployment
5.0%
Avg High Temp
65.4°F
Sales Tax
6.0%
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